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Former Smiths guitarists Johnny – who has formed collaborations with Billy Bragg , the Pet Shop Boys and Bryan Ferry as well as being associated with Modest Mouse, Electronic and The Cribs – was awarded the inspiration prize, while Paul won the lifetime achievement award and Natasha’s Bat For Lashes hit Daniel won best contemporary song.

Johnny Marr won The Ivors Inspiration Award

Hugged by Noel Gallagher as he walked to the stage to pick up his gong, Johnny told the audience: “I always thought that the greatest thing you can achieve as a musician is to be called an inspiration – aside from a big house in Sunningdale obviously.”

He said of his career: “I sincerely hope that there will be a lot more twists and turns because that’s what I like to do. I believe that rock music and pop music is an art form.”

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Noel presented the lifetime achievement award to Paul – and declared his love for the singer.

He said: “This is a man in rock. People ask us on many occasions what it’s like to be men in rock, and we say: ‘It’s all right.’ I haven’t got anything more to say apart from I love you.”

Paul told the audience: “I have enjoyed the last 33 years I was writing songs.”

Music producing legend Trevor Horn won the PRS for Music outstanding contribution to British music award, and Paolo Nutini won the album award.

Sir Tim Rice was presented with the academy fellowship award, while Imogen Heap won the international achievement gong.